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The Victory in Fighting
In Prodigal Song, readers follow you on your journey from your childhood in LA to your time spent as a struggling rock guitarist in Hollywood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I started writing Prodigal Song shortly after completing a novel called Body: or, How Hope Confronts Her Shadow and Calls the Flutter Girl to Flight. Body is an inspirational romantic comedy exploring self-image and struggles with body image. I had many inspirations for the female protagonist’s issues, but my own story was the main source. I wrote Body with a female audience in mind, which greatly shaped how the characters related to their bodies and how that impacted their relationships and lives. I shared my own journey of identity, music, exercise, and obsessiveness with a friend who thought it would make a great book. I realized that by telling my own story, I could create a book that would explore themes of identity in a way that resonates more with men.
Also, I came of age in a time when everyone was in a band or wanted to be in one. I wanted to give Gen Xers an insider’s view of what it was like being in the Southern California music scene in the 1990s and 2000s, while letting them relish in the nostalgia of that time.
Ultimately, I want my books to be sources of insight and encouragement to readers. I know many people struggle with the themes in Prodigal Song—body image, identity, failure, anxiety, the need for adventure ,and meaning. I hope my story offers perspectives that help readers better understand and navigate their own journeys.
You are open and honest about your most difficult years, and I appreciate the candor with which you tell your story. What was the most difficult thing to write about?
I see Prodigal Song as my version of the first Rocky movie. Spoiler alert for a nearly 50-year-old film: Rocky doesn’t win the fight. He wins most of the fights in the sequels, but there is something sweet—and paradoxically victorious—in the failure explored in the iconic character’s debut. Sharing embarrassing stories wasn’t necessarily difficult, but I faced the challenge of writing a memoir about someone who didn’t succeed in the music business and making that compelling for readers. As Sylvester Stallone did, I had to show the victory in fighting regardless of the outcome.
What do you do when you try extremely hard to achieve a dream—for years—and the split decision doesn’t go your way? More people relate to this experience than to winning the championship belt. The hardest part was writing a book that offers fresh, meaningful insights into this well-worn path.
Is there anything you learned about yourself as you were putting Prodigal Song together?
The subtitle of Prodigal Song is A Gen X Memoir of Excess and Obsession in Pursuit of the Rock ’n’ Roll Dream. I brought the excess and obsession to my story—it was my friends who helped me channel those tendencies into a way forward, one with balance, accomplishments, and joy, even in the face of setbacks and failures.
In the book, I quote a lyric one of my friends wrote:
I don’t know where I’m going
But I know that where I am is not what I’d planned
I don’t know the way out
But I know that when a door is there
I will have a hand.
— Aaron Baker from his song “Someday”
Putting a book like this together, you really see all the unlikely events of your life that had to come together to bring you to the present—and I’m very thankful for my present. I’ve always been aware of how important my friends were along the way, but writing this book emphasized even more that my adventures in music and exercise were really adventures in friendship. At every step of my journey, I found a “door” to enter, and at every door was the helping and guiding “hand” of one of my friends, as Aaron’s lyric captures.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from the experiences you share in this book?
I hope this book can reinforce for readers the power of relationships—that our journeys gain meaning primarily through the connections we create with friends, family, and God. And in that communion, we can live in gratitude, regardless of whether our pursuit of goals and dreams leads to triumph, failure, or some wild, messy combination of the two.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Part comedy, part cautionary tale, Prodigal Song offers a nostalgic and humorous take on chasing fame in the most image-obsessed place on Earth—Hollywood, California.
For many, the rock ’n’ roll dream ends in rehab, bad tattoos, or worse. For me, it led to a loss of faith and a ballooning waistline. By age twenty-five, I was overweight and spiritually flailing while trying to succeed in an industry where image is everything. So began a decade-long journey of excess and obsession—over my body, my diet, and the pursuit of success in music. I dropped 65 pounds, transformed into a touring musician, and was “living the dream,” though my soul was increasingly out of tune.
Enter an unexpected mentor—a straight-talking, virtuoso guitarist with a gift for speaking hard truths. Through his wisdom, I began to see beyond the mirror and uncover a path to redemption.
Prodigal Song is a story of excess and obsession, but it’s also one of grace, humor, and finding faith in the unlikeliest of places. Whether you’re a music fan, a dreamer, or someone who’s ever struggled with self-worth, this Gen X memoir will leave you laughing, reflecting, and inspired.
Baby Darlin’: An Illustrated Memoir
Baby Darlin’ is a deeply moving and haunting illustrated memoir that explores the life of Alycia Vreeland, shaped by addiction, abuse, and generational trauma. From an early age, Vreeland is immersed in a world of dysfunction, where her mother’s mental illness and her family’s abusive patterns weigh heavily on her developing identity. Known by various names—Baby Darlin’, Brillo, Snaggle—she endures a childhood steeped in pain, shame, and lost innocence. Though she finds some solace in her father, her lone hero, even he cannot shield her from the darkness that surrounds her.
The memoir chronicles Vreeland’s turbulent journey as she struggles with addiction and abusive relationships while constantly searching for love and stability. Despite the chaos, she clings to a thread of hope, ultimately finding peace and redemption through a higher power. The narrative is brought to life with striking, often unsettling illustrations, revealing the brutal realities of child abuse and the deep, enduring scars it leaves behind. Yet, the story also delivers a powerful message of survival and healing. Vreeland’s writing is unflinchingly honest, capturing the visceral intensity of childhood abuse and the way it shapes her life. She doesn’t portray herself as a victim seeking sympathy; instead, she uses her story to illustrate how, despite enduring unimaginable horrors, healing and redemption are still within reach. What makes Baby Darlin’ particularly compelling is its raw honesty paired with a sense of hope. The accompanying illustrations amplify the emotional depth of her words, creating a powerful, immersive experience for readers. It’s not an easy story to digest—there are moments of profound sorrow and discomfort—but this emotional weight is exactly what makes the memoir so captivating. Vreeland confronts her trauma head-on but refuses to let it define her.
By the book’s conclusion, readers experience a sense of release alongside Vreeland as she moves through her trauma and towards peace. Her resilience and ability to transcend such darkness make Baby Darlin’ an inspiring and unforgettable read.
Pages: 188 | ASIN : B0D792N7D7
The Fine Art of Grieving
In The Fine Art of Grieving, Jane Edberg guides readers through the deeply emotional landscape of mourning her son Nanda’s untimely death. Through evocative vignettes, Edberg captures the profound depths of maternal grief, using photography and various art forms to navigate her emotions and memories. The narrative seamlessly intertwines past and present, illustrating moments with her family and her solitary struggles with loss. This culminates in a powerful exploration of personal transformation and acceptance.
Edberg’s The Fine Art of Grieving is a moving exploration of a grieving mother’s journey. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is Edberg’s use of art as a means to process her grief. Her vivid descriptions of photography sessions, art installations, and spontaneous artistic creations offer a unique and engaging framework for understanding her experience. This artistic lens not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the transformative power of creativity in the face of profound loss. While the book’s emotional intensity and detailed grief rituals powerfully enhance its authenticity, I feel some readers might find these aspects deeply resonant and immersive. For those experiencing similar losses, these elements may evoke a sense of connection, underscoring Edberg’s genuine and heartfelt portrayal of her mourning process.
The varied settings—from the intimacy of the family home to the expansiveness of natural landscapes—serve as poignant backdrops that echo the themes of life, death, and rebirth. Supporting characters like Rachel, Roger, and the friends who participate in Edberg’s art projects add depth to the narrative, underscoring the importance of community and shared experiences in the grieving process.
The Fine Art of Grieving is a beautifully raw and inspiring work. Edberg’s heartfelt prose and innovative use of art make this a significant read for those interested in the impact of grief and the cathartic power of creativity. Her courageous exploration of pain stands as a testament to the enduring strength of love.
Pages: 418 | ASIN : B0CW2RS699
An Interesting Reminder
Fifteen Minutes tells the story of a sculpture in Buffalo, New York, that was quickly removed from the public due to those in power not understanding the meaning behind the work and an overall lack of understanding of art history. Why was this an essential book for you to write?
Once I started researching the story and the artist, I found it impossible to stop. Many people opened up about the history and wanted to tell me their side. I also think in today’s political climate it is an interesting reminder that these type of incidents are not new.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I started in September 2022 and spent at least six months pulling the story together. After writing the first couple drafts I found more to add. I would say at least nine months of work went into it, plus the writing.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted this to be more of a narrative nonfiction, but I didn’t quite get what I wanted. I did some rewrites and got it close to what I wanted but not exactly.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
I’m working on a couple children’s books with my daughter as well as a book of memoir short stories. No dates as of yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
It may have had something to do with dancing neon figures that resembled Mr. Peanut. But, to this day it’s unclear if the artist tricked the city or the city acted hastily.
For the first time, through interviews, court documents, and press clippings, the story of “Green Lightning” is told.
The story of “Green Lightning” is a cautionary tale about the importance of public art education. If the public is not aware of the different meanings and interpretations of art, they are more likely to react to it in a negative way. It is important for people to understand that art is subjective, and that what one person finds offensive, another person may find beautiful.
Fifteen Minutes
In Fifteen Minutes, author Michael F. Rizzo takes readers on a journey through the dynamic intersection of artistic creativity and political bureaucracy. This engaging narrative explores the fascinating conflicts at the heart of several notable artistic endeavors, particularly those of Billie Lawless III. Rizzo’s meticulous research and detailed compilation illuminate the delicate balance between art, political institutions, and community interactions.
The book delves into various compelling stories, including how Billie Lawless III successfully installed his monumental sculpture, Green Lightning, in Buffalo, New York. These narratives offer insightful perspectives on the turbulent realm of public art and its impact on city landscapes.
Rich with knowledge, Fifteen Minutes invites readers to explore the nuanced relationship between art and culture in urban settings. The background information on Billie’s life, especially his stance as a conscientious objector and his legal actions against military conscription, is particularly revealing. It helps readers appreciate the depth of his character and convictions.
Michael Rizzo’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book a smooth read for those who may not be familiar with specialized art terminology. The inclusion of striking photographs and artwork further enhances the reading experience.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of the tension between artistic expression and political considerations, I felt the narrative could benefit from a more lyrical touch. At times, I felt the focus on varied topics and stages seemed somewhat hurried, leaving me with a desire for a more interconnected storytelling approach. Nevertheless, fans of historical narratives and urban studies will find these sections appealing.
Fifteen Minutes is not just a vivid account of artistic endeavors; it prompts significant reflections on artistic liberty and the misuse of power. Those interested in public art, as well as general art enthusiasts, will find this book a treasure trove of information about history, creativity, and the challenges artists face in public projects. It’s a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the art world.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B0CLYV9LC1
LITERARY TITAN 